He followed her, and emerged a few moments later, covered with more toast and victory.

That day week they were married by a justice of the peace, and returned to Poker Flat.

I am aware that something more might be made of this episode, but I prefer to tell it as it was current at Sandy Bar--in the gulches and barrooms--where all sentiment was modified by a strong sense of humor.
Of their married felicity but little is known, perhaps for the reason that Tennessee, then living with his Partner, one day took occasion to say something to the bride on his own account, at which, it is said, she smiled not unkindly and chastely retreated--this time as far as Marysville, where Tennessee followed her, and where they went to housekeeping without the aid of a justice of the peace.

Tennessee's Partner took the loss of his wife simply and seriously, as was his fashion.

But to everybody's surprise, when Tennessee one day returned from Marysville, without his Partner's wife--she having smiled and retreated with somebody else--Tennessee's Partner was the first man to shake his hand and greet him with affection.